Abstract

EFFECT OF SEASON ON IN VITRO ANTI OXIDANT ACTIVITY OF MENTHA SPICATA L. LEAVES

Prasenjit Mitra, Tanaya Ghosh and Dr. Prasanta Kumar Mitra*

ABSTRACT

Mentha spicata Linn. (M. spicata L.), an herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant, has several pharmacological activities including antioxidant activity. We have also shown anti-oxidant activity of M. spicata L. leaves of this region. As biological activity of a plant varies with season aim of this work is to see effect of season, if any, on in vitro anti-oxidant activity of M. spicata L. leaves. Leaves of M. spicata L. were collected in different seasons, authenticated by expert, and its in vitro antioxidant activity was checked by superoxide anion generation with the help of xanthine-xanthine oxidase assay and with linoleic acid peroxidation assay as well as DPPH photometric assay. Total phenol, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and carotenoids contents of M. spicata L. leaves in different seasons were also estimated. Results showed that leaves of M. spicata L. of Autumn (August - September) had maximum in vitro anti-oxidant activity. This was due to high content of total phenol, flavonoid, ascorbic acid and carotenoids in the leaves during the period. Leaves of M. spicata L. during Autumn (August - September), therefore, should be used to get maximum anti-oxidant activity.

Keywords: M. spicata L. anti-oxidant activity, total phenol, flavonoid ascorbic acid, carotenoids, effect of season.